9 practical tips to help you get rid of digital clutter

Unused apps and outdated passwords waste system resources and compromise security. While digital tools are designed to simplify life, unchecked clutter does the opposite. Even high-end Chromebooks and Android phones slow down when overloaded. Annual digital decluttering keeps your devices efficient and secure. Use these strategies to make technology work for you, not against you.

9

Clean and organize your browser

Check the stored autofill data such as addresses, emails, and payment details. Delete outdated entries and update current information. Review and delete outdated bookmarks and organize the rest. Here’s a simple bookmark structure:

• Work: Projects, tools
• Shopping: Wishlist, deals
• Travel: Destinations, bookings
• Education: Courses, articles, references
• Entertainment: Movies, music, games

Sync or share bookmarks across devices for seamless access. Extensions can burden your browser with heavy CPU and memory usage and increase security risks. Keep essential extensions, such as productivity tools, and uninstall the rest. Clear your cache, cookies, and history with tools like CCleaner or your browser’s built-in settings.

8

Declutter your downloads folder and desktop

Your downloads folder is likely a graveyard of unused PDFs, images, and installers. By default, it is located on your operating system’s drive. As the drive fills, system performance declines significantly. Delete unnecessary files and organize important ones into categorized directories. Move the default download location to another drive through your browser or download manager. Similarly, your desktop becomes a dumping ground for random files, screenshots, and unfinished work. Reorganize it to minimize distractions.

7

Curate your digital connections and refresh your feeds

Social media platforms and messaging apps are often overcrowded with inactive profiles and years of irrelevant chats. Archive valuable conversations and delete the rest. Unfollow inactive accounts and leave irrelevant group chats. Remove a contact if a relationship fades and shows no signs of rekindling. Parting ways with those once-a-year happy birthday interactions might seem difficult, but it’s a relief once you move on.

If you’re not ready to unfollow, use the mute feature. Untag yourself from outdated posts that no longer represent you. Use the favorites or close friends feature and prioritize people who matter.

6

Optimize your smartphone storage and media

Smartphone storage quickly fills up with unused apps, blurry selfies, and random videos. Keep photos with meaning or practical value. Apps like Google Photos identify and remove blurry and duplicate images. Transfer older media to external drives or cloud storage services. Delete or compress large video files. Remove rarely used apps or clear their cache. Review your contact lists to delete duplicates, outdated entries, or irrelevant contacts. Update missing details like addresses, emails, or birthdays for priority contacts while managing your lists.

5

Audit your subscriptions and stop paying for what you don’t need

Review your app store subscriptions and bank statements and list all your subscriptions, such as streaming services, fitness apps, and memberships. Watch for free trials and prevent unexpected charges after they expire. Switch to annual payments for services you use regularly and cancel any services you no longer use. SubX is one of the best productivity Android apps for automating this process.

4

Create a reliable password management strategy for your accounts

Weak or reused passwords increase the risk of account compromise. Use a password manager to create and store unique passwords securely. Update outdated or weak passwords for critical accounts like banking and email. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.

3

Create a clean and organized email inbox

Use tools like Unroll.Me to mass-unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters and promotions. Create a separate email address for subscriptions and keep your primary inbox for professional messages. Use temporary email addresses for one-time sign-ups and prevent future spam.

Organize your emails by setting up folders such as Work, Personal, and Receipts. Apply email rules to sort incoming messages. Use your email client’s search filters to bulk-delete spam emails.

2

Keep your backups up-to-date and verify data integrity

Check your backups and see if they are up-to-date. Verify the integrity of your files to confirm they are not corrupted and include all critical data. Monitor available storage on your backup devices or cloud accounts to avoid capacity issues. Delete outdated or redundant backups to free up space. Maintain a backup log to track schedules, storage locations, and tools for consistent data protection.

1

Create a note management system

Delete duplicates and irrelevant notes. Organize the remaining using tags, keywords, and color coding for easy searchability. For larger collections, create subfolders to structure notes within broader categories, such as Work > Projects or Personal > Travel Plans. Create templates for recurring formats like meeting notes, project plans, or to-do lists.

Don’t forget your hardware

Digital life isn’t just about what’s on your screen. Your hardware matters, too. Keep things tidy with proper cable management. Give your devices a quick dusting to prevent overheating. Clean your phone screen, keyboard, screen, and other accessories for a fresh start.